I have been exploring after effects and all the bits and bobs that come with it. The aims of this animation will need to be informative and engaging as it is proposed to be an introduction to the exhibition. Throughout the animation I want the planets to show an element of truth whilst incorporating artistic graphics. I've created graphic element in illustrator, that will contribute to the animation as a whole.
The planet illustrations are the main graphic elements that will be used multiple times throughout the animation. Although they are very not realistic I tried to make then as close to the actual planets in our solar system. Using reference images of the planets and previous research of graphic planets I was able to make elements one by one. Incorporating a source of light and reflection I found was extremely important as well to give the effect of the 3d planet.
Although after effects has an effect called CC Sphere which gave this 3D effect quite well it lessoned the quality of the graphics I created. So instead I just increased the amount of shadow and varied the light source on each graphic.
I had a minimal idea of how I wanted sequence the animation. And after losing my initial file I did some research into different space animations, after effects tutorials and simple space videos on YouTube to understand the movements of space. With this research I can understand what elements I could implement, rotation, scale, using the xyz axis's, opacity etc.
Other Youtube Videos -
I brainstormed from there creating a very simple story board just to envision the way each element could move and the elements extra that I may need. After watching the videos too I realised the animation would be best with some sort of audio so I'll create a script and move on from there to hopefully find a realistic voice simulator so it gives the right effect on the animation.
I first did a few prototypes of the planets rotating around the sun. It's very hard to look at the animation examples with only little knowledge of the software cause I just wondered how on earth (no pun intended) would I be able to do that! I think my main breakthrough was at this point where I just had to break the animations down into shapes and strokes, just as I would in graphic design. So a lot of prototyping was necessary. It was quite difficult at first getting used the different anchor points and scaling etc. for the planets rotations, but hopefully with time each element will become easier.
I'm interested myself to see how I end up going with it all cause right now my after effects skills I don’t think matches my vision.
Stay Tuned for the final update, Live and Laugh,
Comentários